Our Work Practice Apprentice Program offers three- and six-month programs to those interested in beginning or continuing residential Zen practice with the support of a community. Work Practice Apprentices participate in the daily life of Green Gulch, which includes several periods of zazen (sitting meditation), services (sutra chanting), assignment to a work crew, informal study and meals. We also offer zazen instruction, classes and lectures on Buddhism, and the opportunity for discussions and meetings with teachers and practice leaders.

Please note, our annual six-month residential Farm and Garden Apprenticeship Program has a separate application procedure, which you can find here.

Prior to acceptance to the Work Practice Apprentice program, you must demonstrate your commitment to participating in our meditation schedule and desire to live and work harmoniously in the community by completing two weeks as a Guest Student. During your second week as a Guest Student you will meet with the Director and Head of Practice to discuss your readiness to enter the Work Practice Apprentice program. Please see the Guest Student Page for more details on scheduling your Guest Student Stay.

Please complete in full the Application from this page rather than the Guest Student Application and indicate which start date(s) you are applying for.

Accommodations are shared and there are only a limited number of spaces for each start date. Preference is given to those who wish to participate in the six-month program, although there are general two or three three-month program spots available. Please also note that as spaces for the guest student program are limited as well, especially from mid October to mid April when we have practice periods going on, we suggest applying well in advance.